URGENT: Found a bird! Appears to b dead now!

[Grace93]

Hi,
I live in Ireland, I found a small bird, no idea what kind, he was flapping around as I approached and when I got there he put back his head, looked at me and then closed his eyes and stopped moving Icon_sad He had no obvious injuries at all, as I immediately picked him up, and checked him over, he was totally floppy, tried warming him up, no go.

Can they go into like a shock where they appear to be dead? Or is he definitely dead? Anyone have any idea why?

[Jason Green]

Hi Grace and welcome to WAB, albeit under sad circumstances

Is there any chance of a photo? It could be several things, and may depend on the species. Cat-strike/shock from an attempt, the cold, an impact such as window-strike, etc (if it was this, there's a chance it's just stunned).

What sort of area was this in, can you describe the bird?

Take care,

Jason

[Dave66]

Hi Grace

Unfortunately I think he has passed away. I have had the same experience when I saw a bird fly into a window, he was flapping about but couldn't hold up his head. When I picked him up he just stopped moveing and died in my hand. I think he had a brcken neck.

Regards

Dave.

[Astra]

Try putting the bird in a cardboard box and cover the box with a towel. Put it in a safe, quiet place out of reach of cats etc and leave it alone for a couple of hours.
If it's just stunned it may recover, if not, well then at least you tried.

[Grace93]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Hi Grace and welcome to WAB, albeit under sad circumstances

Is there any chance of a photo? It could be several things, and may depend on the species. Cat-strike/shock from an attempt, the cold, an impact such as window-strike, etc (if it was this, there's a chance it's just stunned).

What sort of area was this in, can you describe the bird?

Take care,

Jason

Hi,
Thank you both for your prompt replies! Sadly, I think he is definitely dead as he is gone cold and stiff already.

I live in a very rural area in West Ireland. I know this is a UK forum, but we don't have one for Ireland and I think our wildlife is fairly similiar.

Here is a picture of the poor guy. I'd love to know anyway what kind he is, if your wondering why he has bread around him, my brother put it there cause he was sure the bird was sleeping

[Astra]

Sorry to hear that the bird died Grace - it was a Redwing.

[Jason Green]

Hi Grace. Your bird is a Redwing, a common bird that comes to the UK to winter here. They are more susceptible to starvation than other thrushes if they can't find any food - we've had a hard-ish winter, haven't we. It could of course be old age, though you can't tell really. It seems like a woodland setting, so I don't think it's as likely to be impact-related, but could be wrong.

Sorry for your experience, though it's nice to see your's and your brother's concern

Originally Posted by Grace93

I live in a very rural area in West Ireland. I know this is a UK forum, but we don't have one for Ireland and I think our wildlife is fairly similiar.

Yes, WAB includes Irish wildlife as well Just to confirm, was there any ring on it's leg? I think both are usually, so I doubt it - but just thought I'd ask.

[Grace93]

Thanks guys,
There is usually lot's of food around, we keep chickens and ducks so you always see small birds down there stealing food :P He could have hit my window? He was quite a few feet away from it though, and not really in line with the window, like as if he ''hopped'' off it and landed a few feet away. So I really don't know, poor birdy

Thank you all for your help!

[Jason Green]

My pleasure

Yes, if you have a window nearby it's possible. The flapping could have moved him around as you intimate. They usually eat berries.

[Lance Morgan]

Proof if it was needed that birds are finding it reallyu tough in this weather. I noted mor corvids and less shy birds in the middle of town yesterday looking for fast food